i wish to replace an old 2 way switch with a new one. old switch has 3 wiring points at the top wired red /red+yellow/black+blue bottom is yellow/blue/red new switch has 2 wiring points at top and 4 at the bottom top 2 marked L1 L2 bottom marked L1L2 /L1 L2 what is correct sequence to wire new switch Thanks
Yellow wires go to each of the COM terminals, the red and blue that go in the same cable with them go to the L1 and L2 opposite.
In one of the switches there should be an extra red into L1 and black to L2.
In the other switch you just need Red to L1, Blue to L2 and Yellow to COM.
You don't mention any COM terminals. Are there any? If not you may have bought the wrong switch.
Adam, October 2009
The trouble with terminology is that it can be so easy to get it wrong - generally not a problem but potentially dangerous with electricity...
2 Way Switching = Operating a lighting circuit from two different places (2 different switch stations) such as hall/landing light that may be controlled from either upstairs or downstairs.
2 Gang Switch (or 3 gang or 4) = More than one switch mounted on the same switch plate for instance in a hall where one switch operates the downstairs hall light and the second switch works the upstairs landing light.
Simple switch - Older switches used to have just two terminals for wires. The modern trend is for each switch to have three terminal holes marked Com (for common) and L1 and L2. This is a Single Pole (controls one wire) Double throw (directs to either of two places) switch or SPDT. In America it would be called a three way switch (which might confuse) because it has three terminal holes. The Com terminal connects to L1 when the switch is in one position and to L2 when the switch is in the other position. L1 and L2 are entirely separate and isolated from one another.
Your bank of switches will very probably be several (you do not say how many) individual switches each marked Com, L1, L2 - you do not mention any wires in a Com terminal hole.
Your description of what you have and what you wish to achieve is insufficient to provide you with any useful help - you may be best off calling in an electrician.
Good luck...
Peccavi, October 2009
The old switch will have the same markings...C or Com, L1, L2. If its 2 switches in one, then it will have the same markings, both top and bottom.
Replace like for like to avoid nightmares!!
